Dandelion

Dandelion

Botanical name: Taraxacum officinale (Asteraceae)

Parts used: leaves, root

Energetics: cooling, drying

Taste: sweet, bitter, salty

Actions: diuretic, detoxifying, bitter

Constituents: sesquiterpene lactones, triterpenes, polysaccharides

Leaf only: coumarins, carotenoids, minerals (especially potassium)

Root only: taraxacoside, phenolic acids, minerals (potassium, calcium)

 

Medicinal Preparations:

Tincture: of root 1/2 tsp diluted with 1/2 cup water 3 times a day

Tea: decoction of root 1/3 cup 3 times a day: Infusion of leaves 2 cups daily

Description:

A perennial growing plant known more as a weed than for its health benefits. In Western folk medicine, the leaves have been long used as a diuretic.  

Research:

Leaves: Dandelion leaves are a powerful diuretic, though their exact mode of action is not understood. Dandelion leaves have very high levels of potassium, it is thought that no net loss of this mineral occurs on taking the leaf.

Root: A 2004 laboratory study reported dandelion root had marked anticancer activity. It significantly increased tumor necroses factor and apoptosis (programmed cell death). 

Traditional Western Uses:

Diuretic: dandelion leaf is used as a diuretic and treats high blood pressure by reducing the volume of fluid in the body.

Detoxifying remedy: dandelion root is a key detoxifying herb that gently stimulates the liver and gall bladder's capacity to clear water products from the body. This action makes it valuable in the many health conditions that involve chronic toxicity, whether this toxicity is linked to inflammation, infection, or dietary or environmental factors. The root is typically taken t treat constipation, skin problems, such as eczema, and arthritic conditions, where improved clearance of wast products can reduce local inflammation. 

Other uses: dandelion root is a good prebiotic, supporting the health of the gut flora. It has traditionally been used in the early stages of type 2 diabetes, stimulating insulin release from the pancreas and supporting stable blood-sugar levels. 

*Chevallier, Andrew, Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, New York City, Penguin Random House, 1996.